By Anna Matson, staff writer
The dedication and commitment Katie Phillips has demonstrated to her craft and her students has earned her Kenosha Unified School District’s 2016 High School Teacher of the Year award.
The English teacher has been teaching for 12 years, having worked eight years at Bradford High School and four years now at Indian Trail High School & Academy.
Fellow Indian Trail English teacher Julie Schlick nominated Phillips for this award. Schlick’s letter to the Teacher of the Year Committee states: “There are many teachers deserving of this award, yet Katie Phillips is an educator who treats teaching as a lifestyle. Personable, educated, committed, passionate, and driven, Katie has taken teaching and turned it into a craft.”
Phillips has appreciated the staff she has had around her, as they helped her become the teacher she is today.
“I have been really fortunate to be surrounded by many amazing teachers who have been kind enough
to help me along the way,” said Phillips. “Their ability to maintain high standards in their classrooms, develop interesting and relevant lessons, and also create a strong rapport with their students has driven me to attain that same success, and luckily many of them have been willing to take the time to teach me how to do the same.”
School officials bestowed her with the honor bcause of her commitment to her students and learning. “Ms. Phillips gives 100 percent to her kids, every class, every day,” said Amy Riedlinger, ITHSA’s assistant principal. “The students know they will be expected to be attentive from the minute the bell rings to the minute they are dismissed – which may or may not be at the dismissal bell! They are challenged each day, and from what I’ve observed, are also motivated to stretch themselves academically to perform well in her class.”
Phillips teaches her students the skills they will need to continue on after high school.
“Students leave her classes well prepared for college and for life,” said Principal Maria Kotz. “She is able to connect students to the literature she teaches which helps connect them to the world beyond.”
She puts an extra effort in to get to know her students because she cares about them and their education.
“Students know she cares about them because she puts in a lot of time and effort to get to know them,” said Kotz. “She supports student efforts in many ways – after school tutoring, advising the chess team, chaperoning dances, attending sporting and fine art events.”
The honor surprised Phillips.
“I know there are many people who do what I do, who put in just as much work, so I’m still in a bit of disbelief about the whole thing. But it’s also very exciting to know that the people around me feel that I am deserving of such an honor,” said Phillips. “I’m sure anyone would agree that it’s nice to feel appreciated.”
Student Council President Deimante Cimiaskaite wrote a letter as well on behalf of her teacher:
“I have been a student of Mrs. Katie Phillips for three consecutive years in American Literature, AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition. Over this time, I have had the privilege to establish a meaningful relationship with a teacher who is undeniably dedicated, industrious, and bold. Mrs. Phillips most definitely meets, and if not, exceeds the expectations for relationships, innovation, instruction, communication, and professionalism… All in all, Mrs. Phillips is a role model for our district; professionally, academically, and socially.”
In turn, Phillips’ students inspire her with their will to learn; this inspiration leads to her motivation to teach what she loves.
“The drive to learn that many of them have makes me want to do my best so that they can get the most out of what I present to them. Nothing makes me happier than to see my students improve their skills, understand literature in a different way, or maybe even enjoy what we’re reading,” said Phillips.
“Teachers have a really unique job in that we get to share what we love with people around us every day, so when I can see students start to have even a little of that understanding and appreciation- there’s just no better inspiration!”